Thats a short trip.
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OH SNAP!

Im not sure about the chemistry Hossa would bring to the NOW leaders in the group.... Im not aware of him being a leader (hossa) but with his value and probably pay check I would wager he will rub with Koivu and Kovalev! Tanguay on the other hand will be so sodomized by the press he wont be able to play properly let alone fight with the above mentioned leaders

go to Hfboards.com, go to the habs section and find the "trade rumours" thread... they are all summed up there... so that you don't have to visit 10 different websites...
however, would you want to stick to ONE website, Spector is the best.

there is also a complete section dedicated to trade rumours if you dont want "habs only rumours"

his playoffs stats:
Total NHL 55 13 22 35 -9

compared to other players with some leadership :

Koivu:
Total NHL 43 13 23 36 +11

Kovalev:
Total NHL 100 37 47 84 +9

Here are Hossa's Career stats!

1997-1998 OTT 7 0 1 1 -1
1998-1999 OTT 60 15 15 30 18
1999-2000 OTT 78 29 27 56 5
2000-2001 OTT 81 32 43 75 19
2001-2002 OTT 80 31 35 66 11
2002-2003 OTT 80 45 35 80 8
2003-2004 OTT 81 36 46 82 4
2005-2006 ATL 80 39 53 92 17
2006-2007 ATL 82 43 57 100 18
2007-2008 ATL 52 23 25 48 -14
Career -- 681 293 337 630 85

We can all see that this season is a bad year for Hossa.(he's on pace for 74 points) He is clearly unhappy in Atl. Maybe a change of scenery would encourage him toplay like a god during these upcoming playoffs?!?!?! I know he has never performed well during the playoffs, but you never know. Plus Hossa is now 29 years old, he's no longer a kid. I don't see why he wouldn'T get along with Koivu or Kovalev?

Is this the last year in Kovalevs contract? We will need someone to replace him if he is going to retire.

he's got another one after this and has said to reporters that he feels he has ~4-5 more years of hockey in him, IIRC.

I think you have to look at Hossa as a long-term move if you do anything at all.

Long term, he could be just what the doctor ordered in terms of replacing Kovalev. I LOOOVE Kovalev, but let's not kid ourselves that he's going to play forever or that he can be relied upon from season to season to bring the kind of game he's brought this season...

This may sounds odd, but teams with too many europeans usualy don't succed in the playoffs.

Taking Hossa as an example. When he was in Ottawa they finished the season with most overall points. Same thing in Atlanta. Won their division but after four games their runt for the cup was over.

Im not saying Hossa isn't a great player, I just don't think he's the one that will add to the mix. If Ryder was the one going the other way Montreal would have a lot of european player and history has shown that a mix is required since north americans have another mentality.

Wow, he isn't as elite as I thought he was. I mean 100 pts i sgood, but eh only got that once. and only bursted the 40 goals mark twice...
yes he's good... but he's kovalev good... not more. and with less character.

I don't think I've ever seen a European advance this theory.

I would note that I think that many of the top Detroit Redwings teams had a ton of euros.

Hossa has gone a point a game the past 4 straight seasons and can do it again this season. Kovalev has gone a point-a-game I think once in his career (that crazy 95-point year).

I don't know about that so much anymore. The whole dynamic of european players has really changed. I don't know if any of you were watching Milbury the other night but he was reflecting upon this exact topic.The new kids coming in from Russia and europe, score, hit ,skate, they are aggressive .They have been very north americanized. Look at little titzz ,Ovechkin, kovalchuk,Malkin.......most of the hot shots in the league right now are european, welll actually russia.

The big thing with Hossa is, while he's put up great numbers he has nothing to really show for it. Doesn't mean he couldn't help us. He'd be better then Ryder for sure.

I wouldn't be as concerned about his nationality as I would be how his play-off performance is above average but half of what he does during the season.

I can see them now!!!!!!! a million

"What's wrong with Hossa threads"

Gainey given permission to speak to Hossa's agent.

Per the Team 1200 in Ottawa, Murray Wilson (commentator for the Habs on CJAD, former player) apparently said that Don Waddell gave Bob Gainey permission to speak with Hossa's agent, Don Baizley...probably regarding a contract extension.


I was just at HF and saw this. If true then WOW!

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=474364

Comon guys hossa - Koivu - Higgins OUFFF

I hate to get too excited about trade rumors, but if a topline forward like Hossa could be had and is willing to sign for 3-4 years, i may be worth exploring. Gotta give up something to get something of value, but if BG could get Hossa for a package of a maybe 2nd rounder of couple of young players, i would be ok with that. As long as it's not Mcdonagh, or Pax. Also no Higgins, Komi, Pleks, or Kositi's or Lats. The only way to get better, let the young guns improve and get front-line talent.

Sure they have. They had a line with Russians when they captured versus the Flyers. But there's always exeptions. But just look at the fact how many european captains whom has lift the cup?

I don't know exactly but I'd guess that there's 50% european captains in the NHL and just once has such a team won. Coincidence? I think not. It's the teams with the best mix that tends to win in the end.

I wonder about sample size considering how long euros have been in the league en masse.


actually 33.3% of teams have euro captains.

I don't have the same opinion. Both north americans and europeans have learn from each other since Ulf Sterners days, sure. But there's still difference. Big time. As a europeans myself I guess I watch a lot more different hockey. Not more, but from different leauges and countries. Europeans take slapshots (even if Marcus Näslund still hasn't) and North Americans are wearing helmets.

I wouldn't say Ovechkin is Russian in his play. Just as less as Thomas Holmström is Swedish in his style. There's always exceptions. Malkin and Datsyuk... Have you even seem one of them deliver a bone chrusher?

But back to topic... Hossa is a great player but I would rather see a move or two by the deadline that would fire up Ryder on the third line and a guy that could give us a physical go-to-the-net-mentality.

In my dream that would be Fedorov and Tanguay.

Interesting.

I wonder if this means the deal being considered is a sign and trade by Atlanta, which would increase the return. That makes me nervous, as I wouldn't want to lose some of the key roster players we have now and risk disrupting the chemistry, which is inevitable if we're getting back a Hossa who's signed for a few years. Alternatively, maybe Bob just wants to explore Hossa's mindset/price range regarding signing with Montreal later if a trade WAS made (for prospects/picks). That's much easier to take.

I Just want to say that it's ludicras to suggest that Hossa's playoff history suggests he wouldn't be worth signing. Think about it. His entire Ottawa team stunk in the playoffs. He was still very young and the best venterman he played with was Yashin as Spezza hadn't matured yet. Let's not forget how Alfredsson, chainged his reputation in just one year. Also, if anyone was picking the thrashers to beat the rangers last year, they're absolutely crazy. Nobody expected them to do well.

Hossa never had a good opportunity to prove himself, especially in the playoffs. He has yet to play with a centre with the passing ability of a koivu.

If it was to go down,I would be very excited of Hossa coming to Montreal. We were all excited to have his brother because we thought he may turn out like him. There are pros and cons that are merely just opinions more than living proof. The guy is a point per game player and would be a welcome edition to this team for sure. We would become better overnight.

What goes the other way? Gainey will do what he needs to do, I don't even want to speculate. It's too hard. I have faith in Bob. We are going to give some valuable assets we probably don't want to, but that is life.

I'm ready for the Hossa deal to go down.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm........

From Bob McKenzie's blog on TSN.ca

That takes us down to Earth a bit. I was just starting to imagine a Montreal team with a top six like this

Kosty Plex Kovy
Hossa Koivu Higgins

Damn, that looks a lot like TWO first lines, for a team that hasn't had ONE in almost a decade. And then the kid line of Lat Laps Kosty can score as well, we'd be intimidating.

Yep. This is what I would do, if possible. I would agree with Hossa for a 6M x 3 year deal.

Then I would try getting Ryder to sign a 2 year, 4 million dollar contract.

Then I would try to trade Ryder and Emelin/Fischer for Hossa. Both of those defenceman has top pairing potential but neither of them are sure bets by any means as they both have their own problems. I think this deal would be awesome for us because:

1) Hossa is a huge upgrade on Ryder, who isn't even in our regular line-up. It allows us to push everyone down the depth chart, have 3 scoring lines and then one hard-working crash-and-bang line that is working miracles for us right now.

2) We have enough good D prospects that we will be solid (or even better than solid) in that area for the next few years even without one of them.

I think Atlanta would do that (if they lose the next few games leading up to the deadline) because they don't want Hossa to leave and for their organization to be left with absolutely nothing after Kovalchuk, Lehtonen and Brian Little. This would give them a reclamation project in Ryder who might be able to get going again with Kovalchuk, it'll save them some money (which is a concern, when you're in a market like Atlanta) and it'll add a good prospect to their core which is really lacking.

I know Hossa has a history of slumping in the playoffs but what we have to remember is that tehse guys aren't just names in your NHL08 game, they are real people. A guy who often sucks under pressure can still have a good playoff run (e.g. Huet in our last shootout, against ATL) and a big-game player can still disappear in key moments (e.g. Kovalev in our final two games of last season). There is no law that says Hossa cannot score goals in the playoffs, he just has a bad track record. If he is motivated, he will score. And this is a guy who had 100 points last season. We can go far with him on our roster.

The whole signing of these players to trade I agree with, I'm just not sure your proposal would be enough. If I was Waddel I'm looking at that and saying Bob? I'll take Ryder....you can keep Fischer, but I want Higgins, Emelin and and your 1st round pick. Keep in mind I've put myself in Waddell' s shoes for the moment.

So what does Gainey fire back to get the deal done.



On a side note, it's official according to Tsn that Florida is shopping Oiii Jokinen. I'm sure Gainey is in heavy talks with San jose for Marleau, Atlanta for Hossa and Florida for Jokinen. One of those three I think will be a Montreal Canadien by the end of the month. A lot of teams are probably waiting to see who signs Forsberg before bidding begins on the other three.

I personally would love Jokinen in Montreal. He would explode here and become twice the player he is.

I don't think Wadell has all that much bargaining power. His team is going nowhere, he's very likely fired after the season (according to Burke, when a GM's in the final year of his contract, everyone offers him crap) and he cannot afford to lose Hossa for nothing. No team is going to offer a guy like Higgins for Hossa unless it's straight up, and even then, teams don't like to trade their young stars for old stars. Furthermore, at the deadline teams are looking specifically for guys who can help them make a good playoff push. That makes Hossa's bad playoff reputation even more important.

I think Ryder and Emelin could be enough. I would be willing to add some of our second-tier prospects and picks but nothing that's too important to us.

I really doubt that Ryder and Emelin would be enough. They would want at least a 1st round pick along with that; a struggling mid-level player and a totally unproven prospect are not nearly enough to land an elite forward.

And I also doubt that Hossa would sign for 3 years, for one, and that he'd take 6 million per season. I bet he'd want at least a 5 year contract, in which case he may take 6 million per season but would probably want more. Spezza, Gomez and Drury all get about 7 million per year for 5-7 years, and Hossa would probably be gunning for a similar deal.

I do hope your instincts are right. That would be a steal. Even though reports are telling nothing is happening. I'm sure Gainey is very active as we speak.......something big will happen in a few weeks for the Habs.

Not the first time that we've been so certain of things going down...

IIRC when we got Kovalev it was "out of nowhere", there were tons of rumors floating around but no mention of Kovalev to Montreal (maybe Code/Ek reported it....but they also reported every other player in the league going to every other team )

Not too many leaks come from the Habs (Bob)...but we all know that whatever team were dealing with might not run such a tight ship.

That's a pretty bold statement, I can't say I'd agree - I'd like it, but with Gainey I've gotten my hopes up before for no good reason.

There hasn't been any major trades this season. Im wondering if trading deadline will follow that curve or if it will explode.

Anyway, I think Forsberg is the key. When he's signed trades and deals will emerge. My guess is that Forsberg will play for a New York team or the Avs.

Well, TSN has reported that Forsberg already rejected Dallas, Nashville, Detroit, San Jose, Pittsburgh and Calgary.

The teams that he is considering are Philly, Colorado, Ottawa, Anahiem and Vancouver.

Source? That he rejected the Red Wings shouldn't be suprising news to anyone. I don't think he will play in Anaheim.

The Logic choice would be New York or Denver. New York because he loves the city and often spend some days there. Im also pretty sure that his girlfriend have something to say here and who can say no to New York? Denver because I do think that's the team in his heart.

AS much as I'd like to see any one of Hossa, Marleau or Jolkinen in a red,white and blue Jersey, I just don,t think it'll happen.

Other G.M.'s will want alot in return for these good players. Ryder and Fisher would not be enough for Hossa.

My guess is that Waddell would ak for Ryder, Higgins, Emelin and a 2nd round pick! Don't forget, he'd be giving up a player who scored 100 points last year.

If I were Bob, I'd offer him, Ryder, Dandeneault(they need a d-man), Fisher and our 1st round pick next year. I know Waddell has his eye on Emelin, but i'd try to pass off Fisher instead!

I doubt it would work, but I'd try. I'd make the same offer to FLorida for Jolkinen.

For Marleau, I'd offer, Ryder, Fisher and a 2nd round pick!

Like I posted, TSN.

ch_nl, why is it obvious that Forsberg wouldn't play for Detroit? You'd think that if his main goal was to win the Cup, that would be a serious option.

Nobody is going to pay that price for a UFA. Hossa will not get dealt if that is what Waddell is looking for.

I'm not saying that we should buy into any rumour. There is no evidence or any indication that Gainey will make a trade. But, he may just surprise us all. We are so used to him not making moves that we expect him to get a "Yelle" or "Dowd" depth centre to boost us.

Some people expect that.

"Expect the unexpected", Bob Gainey.

One thing the club tried to do was acquire Briere or Smyth on July 1. It seems obvious to me that if BOb wanted high calibre players at that time then why should now be any different? BOb is working the phones. The only way he will ever pull a deal is if he truly feels it will help the Habs without imbalancing our youth core. Hopefully he can dangle some of our prospects that seem to have high stock to the rest of the league. While at the same time hopefully the Habs staff have an inside track on which problems they foresee with any particular prospect(s).. Sort of like the Balej Kovy deal. It's probably the asking price that other GM's are demanding that is preventing any deal.

Maybe he will just do a utility trade. Who knows? However, I believe BOb can make a better deal for less than some in the media might give him credit for. Shrewd BOb!

Gainey rocks! Period!

History has shown that Bob runs a tight ship and that whatever you hear off the rumor mill from him won't happen in what pertains to trades.

So if history repeats itself, sorry guys, no Marleau, no Jokinen, no Hossa and no superstar for Ryder, Halak and a 2nd round pick..

That's the real trick because there is no way in hell the Bros, Pleks, McDo, Lats, Maxim, Higs and Komi go. I'm not sold on other players like Koivu and Streit being moved. That would be equally as dumb. BOb might just be able to trade Fisher, Emelin (Waddell was rumoured to want him in the return) and Chipchura and a 2nd in '08 or '09 for Marian Hossa. The only way that I would accept this as a fan is a Hossa under contract. Losing Chippy would be difficult to stomach too. Would I make this trade myself? No. But I'm moreso in general posing a "what if" to illustrate that BOb is in the drivers seat more now than ever. If I were him I would be very careful and save UFA trade deadline acquisitions for next year. Or just try the FA market.

It is a rich draft.

Just remember I said he might pull the rabbit from the hat Hopefully I am proven correct - hopefully

Oh he'll pull the rabbit from the hat, that's for sure. Just make sure it doesn't get away....

Like I and many others have said before, there's no big need to do a deal now, so unless we get a good deal we might as well sit on what we got, which is a good young team.

Would it be possible to list the centers who may be available. I would mean centers who would be go second line centers since Plekanec is our first line centre. With a strong 2nd line centre available I would consider letting Koivu go in a trade. Any thoughts?

Well, let me simply this. Trevor Timmins has a massive man-crush on David Fischer, just like he has one for Ryan McDonaugh. Yes, the decision belongs to Bob in the end whether to move either one or not but he always consults with all his scouts and assistants before making any move. Timmins alone would lose his mind UNLESS it's a sure thing in return.

The only problem is there's never a sure thing in hockey unless your last name right now is Ovechkin or Crosby,

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/trade_deadline/top25.html

and

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/trade_deadl...teambyteam.html

Not to disinter old posts, but I'm still surprised we've not heard a peep about the Habs talking to Forsberg. Gainey is now in a position to market his club as a contender, which is what Forsberg wants - he could conceivably help us down the middle without costing us anything other than dough.

Could you imagine that.
Forsberg
Plekanec
Koivu as the Canadiens top 3 centres no team has anything even close if they are healthy.